Chapter 8: The Affliction. Desperate time.
Cloud arrived in Tenshukaku. He was still able to stand, but his arm continued to ache. Sara soon noticed the swordsman walking in pain.
"Cloud-san? What happened to you?" She asked.
"I'll explain when we meet with Raiden. It's vital you both need to hear what I have to say." Cloud spoke.
Sara was concerned for his well being, but she complied. Leading Cloud to meet with Raiden, she noticed how he sharply inhaled at certain intervals, clutching his left arm in response.
"Is there any way I can help with your condition?" Sara asked.
"Don't worry. The pain is there, but manageable. At least I know my body is still working." Cloud reassured with a grunt.
[]
Sara managed to bring Cloud to Tenshukaku. Raiden was prodding around in a slow speed, thinking of the current events. Upon hearing the doors of her chambers opening, her sight befell on Sara and Cloud.
"Kujou-san, what brings you to Tenshukaku with Cloud among you?" Raiden questioned.
As soon she asked, Raiden noticed Cloud clutching his left arm as though in pain. There was a large black scar on it, making her silently gasp in response.
"Forgive me of my sudden arrival, Shogun-sama. Cloud requested to meet with you. It's utmost important to hear from him." Sara informed.
"At ease. Please let him speak." Raiden acknowledged.
"Lady Shogun, I have news of which requires you to hear. This condition I'm suffering from is an omen of a greater threat that's about to hit not just Inazuma, but potentially all of Teyvat." Cloud started.
"What is the omen you speak of, Cloud-san?" Raiden questioned.
"I haven't had much to explain about my history of my homeworld to you before. It mainly involves a potential threat." Cloud started.
"Please explain." Raiden replied, her curiosity now shown.
"There was a warrior whom was the finest in my home named Sephiroth. He was a legendary war hero whom participated in many battles. However, he soon went mad, intending to end all life on Gaia. I faced Sephiroth with my friends to take him out when he summoned a giant meteor to wound my world." Cloud explained.
"A man capable of summoning a meteor? That sounded like the Geo Archon back in Liyue. Please continue." Raiden requested with surprise.
"Sephiroth was no simple threat to overcome. Is it barbaric to call him a monster? Almost, but not even close. He was responsible for destroying my village I grew up in life. He is capable of haunting his opponent using mind tricks, even fooling others. I've experienced this trickery plenty of times. What's worse, his prowess with magical abilities from my homeworld are without equal. He's capable of unleashing storms of magic however he pleases." Cloud finished.
"What does this mean to Inazuma, let alone all of Teyvat?" Raiden questioned.
"I fear that Sephiroth is intending to revive himself through me. He's been attempting to gather the elements of Teyvat to form his resurrection." Cloud spoke with concern.
"How many elements have you been exposed to?" Raiden asked with concern.
"So far, six. I've been exposed to Hydro, Cryo, Pyro, Anemo, Geo, and Electro. Those Fatui agents carried special equipment that channeled the elements I mentioned in question." Cloud responded.
"That is indeed a dire concern. The last element would be Dendro, the element of plants." Raiden revealed.
"Dendro? That means the very grass…" Cloud realized.
"Do not worry. The grass itself may be of Dendro, but it doesn't contain any elemental energy. The only catch is, if you meet a foe that can channel Dendro elemental energy." Raiden spoke.
Cloud breathed a momentary sigh of relief. However, his concerns to prevent Sephiroth's advent did not alleviate.
"That means if facing an opponent that uses Dendro elemental powers, it will bring Sephiroth's uprising." Cloud said.
"This is indeed dire. What does it have to do with the condition you suffer from?" Raiden asked.
"It's some kind of stigma of the earth from my home. A Geostigma or something like that. Whatever it is, I can feel my body trying to compensate from the effects of the illness. It has left me exhausted, but it keeps connecting me to Sephiroth, whom is now taunting me in my head. That's why my arm is showing a dark mark-like bruise." Cloud said, looking to his left arm.
"This is concerning indeed. I don't think we can find the means to help treat your condition, Cloud." Raiden spoke with sympathy.
"The engineer did mention I have to visit the land of Anemo called Mondstadt, where the Anemo Archon resides. Perhaps the Archon in question may heal with this?" Cloud suggested.
"Perhaps it is the only choice to make. Since you're departing to another region of Teyvat, the map itself will magically show the regions when you come in contact with Statues of the Seven." Raiden explained.
"Statues of the Seven?" Cloud questioned.
"These are magical statues, which can provide healing to all weary adventurers whom bear Visions. There is one in Ritou." Raiden further explained.
"Will that statue help map out the region I've been to?" Cloud questioned.
"Yes. They will help in your adventure across Teyvat. Be warned though. Outside of the regions or towns, it's all about survival." Raiden warned.
"So it seems. I've been in tough times back in my home. It may be different here in Teyvat, but I don't intend to back down." Cloud stood with resolution.
"I see that you're willing to part from Inazuma. When will you return though?" Raiden questioned.
"As soon as I'm able to cure this illness, I will return here. If there is any means of keeping contact, I can provide messages to you." Cloud said.
"Do not fret, Cloud. Your map comes with a special magical mail which allows one to provide messages to be given to any person in question. Ideally, it is my utmost trust from you that I know you can overcome your trial." Raiden spoke.
"Good. I should be able to keep contact on my journey." Cloud agreed.
"Let's hope for the best, Cloud. If there is a chance the Anemo Archon can help heal you of your sickness, then you have to take it." Raiden said.
Cloud nodded in response. He grunted as he felt his left arm in pain. Raiden noticed and walked up to him in concern.
"The mark of illness… Is it hurting?" She asked.
"It does. I truly didn't think I would end up being affected from this." Cloud admitted.
Raiden could tell Cloud was being truthful. His grunting shows how much pain he was going through.
"I just have to keep going where the wind takes me." Cloud said.
The wind soon billowed with a gentle breeze. It began to encircle Cloud for a moment, creating a soothing sensation. Cloud's Vision resonated with the wind, creating a healing wind. The pain from his illness began to fade, but it only abated the issue.
"The Vision healed you with the wind. However, I could tell it only stopped the illness. It didn't cure it." Raiden spoke solemnly.
"Indeed. I have to depart to Mondstadt if I have any hope of reaching the Anemo Archon." Cloud said.
"There is a way I can get you close, but the rest of the way you'll have to travel alone." Raiden said.
"How so?" Cloud asked.
"I can cut rifts across the world, which allows me to reach far locations. The closest I can send you would be in a region called Liyue." Raiden said, showing the region on the map.
"So I'll have to travel across Liyue to reach Mondstadt. This won't be easy, but life's never easy." Cloud mused.
"As much as I have to agree, it is indeed troublesome. Before you leave, you can take the time to say your departures to those whom you know across Inazuma." Raiden said.
"I will have to. Time is running out and I don't have much." Cloud said.
"Once you said your goodbyes, I'll be ready to set you to Liyue. You can come back to Inazuma via the teleport waypoint. The same pillar is outside Tenshukaku." Raiden said.
[]
Cloud was within Inazuma City. He felt a sense of longing, not wanting to depart from the region.
'It's funny how I'm quickly growing accustomed to this place. Maybe Inazuma should be a home I could stay in.' He thought.
Looking at the townsfolk walking by, he soon felt lost. Lost in feeling out of place, he wanted to move out of everyone's sight. Soon, a young boy came to him with curious eyes.
"Wow, onii-chan. That's a large odachi you're wielding." The boy spoke.
Cloud looked at the boy with some surprise. He could tell the kid was curious about his weapon.
"It was passed on to me by a friend whom departed." Cloud spoke to the boy.
"Did a hero died?" The boy asked with worry.
"No. It was a time that a hero made his journey, carrying the weight on his shoulders." Cloud answered.
The young boy was quite interested about Cloud, which left the swordsman rather curious.
"Oh, I'm sorry to introduce myself, onii-chan. I'm Riku." The boy introduced.
"I'm Cloud Strife." Cloud responded.
"So a hero actually started his journey… That sounds like a fun story to hear." Riku said happily.
"Maybe, when I get back." Cloud said.
"You'll be leaving Inazuma?" Riku asked worriedly.
"Don't worry. I'll be coming back. Take care of yourself, Riku." Cloud said, patting the boy on his head.
Ayaka soon came by and noticed Cloud interacting with Riku. The young boy soon scurried off to his mother. The maiden of the Kamisato family was quite enamored to see Cloud interacting with a young child.
'I didn't expect to see Cloud interact with anyone. He always had that warrior's spirit, yet a child was talking with him. I never thought he would be good with kids.' Ayaka thought with a blush.
Cloud soon began moving across the city. Ayaka was curious to where he was going till she saw him head to Shimura's. He soon ordered some udon to eat.
"Thanks for the meal, Shimura-san." Cloud spoke to the owner.
"My pleasure, Strife-san. Are you by chance leaving Inazuma?" Shimura questioned.
"Not a permanent leave. I'm setting out to Mondstadt later on today. It's to help with a condition that I need to overcome and the Anemo Archon may provide the answers I need." Cloud said.
"I see. Best of luck on your journey, Strife-san. I find your company rather welcoming." Shimura spoke kindly.
Ayaka heard the conversation and was shocked to hear Cloud was departing. She was curious about the condition he briefly mentioned.
'Is he afflicted with some kind of illness? Perhaps he's seeking the Anemo Archon to help find the means to fight the illness in question.' Ayaka thought.
[]
(Play Genshin Impact OST - Fall of Maples)
Cloud was now overlooking the horizon to the next door area of Konda Village. Ayaka pondered as to why he was overlooking the village.
'He probably has a reason to worry about the people from Konda Village. Everyone from the Yashiro Commission and by extension, the Kamisato clan, are worried about them too.' She thought with concern.
Having enough in remaining in the background, Ayaka went to Cloud, getting the swordsman by surprise.
"Ayaka-san?" He spoke with shock.
"Cloud-san, I overheard your conversation back at Shimura's. Are you leaving Inazuma?" She asked.
Cloud soon exhaled with a sigh. Ayaka knew he was being weary.
"I have to head to Mondstadt to overcome a condition I was afflicted with back at my home. The only lead I have in helping me is to reach the Anemo Archon." Cloud answered with reluctance.
"Will you come back to Inazuma?" Ayaka asked.
"Once I get healed from this condition, I will. I don't intend on giving up." Cloud reassured.
Ayaka felt bashful for a moment. Her thoughts were overflowing, screaming for her body to will itself to move close to Cloud. Before he knew it, Cloud felt Ayaka kiss his left cheek.
"Be safe out there. I await your return." Ayaka spoke with a shy smile.
Cloud felt the kiss on his cheek, causing his face to sport rosy cheeks.
'I never thought I would have my first kiss in a departing tone… It's pretty somber.' Cloud thought.
Ayaka soon took off, blushing red on her face. Although it was a kiss on the cheek, it was more than enough for her to make the young woman feel shy.
'How undignified of me… I let my emotions overrule my sense of thought. Acting on impulse, just to feel a sense of longing. I'm embarrassed to think about it in a daring manner.' Ayaka thought bashfully.
(Full of Maples OST ends here)
[]
Cloud was in a short daze due to the shock of being kissed. The pain from his condition began to subside, even though he didn't felt it as much as he did before.
'I never thought about romance or anything remotely on dating. I recall the Golden Saucer back on Gaia, but that wasn't me at the time. It wasn't me in terms of personality.' He thought.
Soon, a familiar portal opened. Sara came out of the portal to address to Cloud.
"Cloud-san, preparations for transport are good to go. We can take you to Liyue when ready." Sara spoke.
"Thank you, Kujou-san. I am ready to partake in this adventure." Cloud said.
"No need to be formal with me, Cloud-san. You can call me Sara. You've garnered my trust when you healed my soldiers." Sara reassured.
"Very well then. Has Shogun-dono finalized my travel to reach Liyue?" Cloud asked.
"She has the documents procured. I would dare say that you've become quite the influence." Sara noted.
"How so?" Cloud questioned.
"Your Vision may be the result. I can see big changes to Inazuma, yet it is prevailing. For once, I'm glad to see Shogun-dono look so lively." Sara admitted.
"Oh? I can guess it may be due to personal matters. I will not divulge into it right now. Maybe later on when I come back." Cloud suggested.
"I'll await your return. I'll send you a letter in hopes of keeping communications. The map Shogun-dono has given you is capable of providing mail to you." Sara said.
"Even better. Till we meet again, Sara-san." Cloud said.
Sara soon started to fidget. She knew she had to obey her leader's orders. Yet, her personal feelings soon began to manifest. She never experienced anything of what she felt. Was it a strong connection? A savoring feeling of longing? She couldn't find the answer.
"Let me bring you to Shogun-dono. She wishes to speak with you before you depart." Sara said.
[]
Arriving in Tenshukaku, Cloud briefly stifled due to his motion sickness. He shook the feeling off and made his way to meet with Raiden.
'At times like this, I feel somewhat nervous, yet I don't feel any restraining. It's as though my body is lighter than usual.' Cloud thought.
Upon reaching the top floor of the place, Raiden was seen pacing in a calm manner. She seemed to be thinking deeply till the sound of footsteps on the tatami floor got her attention. Sara and Cloud were now in her line of sight.
"Thank you, Sara-san. You may rest for now." Raiden spoke with authority.
"I will train my troops to boost morale, Shogun-dono." Sara said, leaving the premises.
The Electro Archon soon directed her attention to Cloud. Before she could speak, her sight came at his eyes. It's as though she could get lost in them. The swordsman looked confused for a moment, not paying attention to the rosy blush on her face.
"Shogun-dono?" Cloud questioned.
This got Raiden to snap back to reality. Composing herself, she cleared her throat to reassess her thoughts.
"Excuse me. I wasn't composed. Anyway, you'll be departing to Liyue soon. I will dispel the thunderstorm barrier that blocked off Inazuma from the rest of Teyvat. This will be your passage to reach the region. There, you'll be in the Geo Archon's domain." Raiden explained.
"So I have to go through Liyue to reach Mondstadt. Judging from the map, I would say I have to head northeast, past the icy mountain." Cloud observed.
"Dragonspine is the name of the icy mountain. That region has sub-zero climate, making traveling there difficult. Most seasoned adventurers wouldn't be able to go through the mountain without suffering from the conditions. It's not just the icy climate, but the number of monsters out there." Raiden described.
"An icy mountain of danger… Not the first time I had to come across such occasions like this. Reminds me of my home at times, but that's in the past." Cloud spoke with reminiscence.
"You miss your home at times?" Raiden questioned.
"Admittedly, I do. However, it's mostly filled with memories not worth poking in to." Cloud dismissed.
Raiden could see it was a touchy subject for Cloud. Recalling of his experience back in Gaia, she understood why.
'He's still tormented of his past… After what I heard of his life's journey, I wouldn't be able to handle that form of insanity. What were those people thinking…?' She thought with disgust.
(Play Genshin Impact OST - The Land of Her Serenity)
A familiar urge of longing soon overcame Raiden. She felt a sense of peer pressure, causing her to jump with brief anxiety.
"Just… Be safe out there, Cloud." Raiden said.
She soon kissed his right cheek. Again, his face turned red in result. Raiden herself soon blushes in response, yet she felt giddy. It's as though her anxiety to perform her kiss with Cloud felt somewhat alleviated. Her heart raced as she was now realizing her feelings.
'It's the first time I've fallen for someone… I can't explain why, yet my heart is now racing. Yet, my mind feels at peace. Maybe I'm longing for him to come back here in Inazuma when his journey in Mondstadt is over.' She thought.
Cloud, in a surprising gesture, soon kneeled.
"I will return here in Inazuma when my illness is cured, Shogun-dono." Cloud spoke.
She made a silent gasp in surprise, thinking he was reading her thoughts. Raiden listened in as Cloud finished his reasoning.
"I have nowhere else to go to that can be considered my home… If Inazuma shall become a place for me to live in, I would not mind." He spoke.
Raiden smiled in response. She liked the response, knowing Cloud chose to live in Inazuma.
"Before you depart, I have two final items to give." Raiden said.
Raiden soon handed Cloud a charm that looked like an amulet. It had a small red thread large enough to hang around Cloud's neck. The main body was purple with the Inazuma symbol. The Japanese characters of 'en-musubi' was written.
"This is an omamori. It has a strong meaning as to what the message is conveyed based on the charm in question." Raiden spoke.
Cloud didn't get the message clearly from what she could answer. However, he knew he had to protect the gift Raiden gave him. Soon, she procured a large sword. It was a Japanese claymore (odachi) with a large blade that was curved at the tip. The curious blade in question featured two holes and three grooves. The grooves were located within the main body near the tip, but away from the sharp edge. The two holes were found near the rain guard, appearing similar in position of Cloud's Buster Sword. The rain guard remains the same, but it sports an armored wing appendage for additional protection. The handle has purple colored leather straps with two strings attached to the pommel that are connected with two tails made of yellow cloth. In the middle of the main body of the sword near the rain guard, a tube was shown, dimly glowing with a grey outline.
"This sword is known as the Katsuragikiri Nagamasa. It was forged from a blacksmith whom used the Mikage Furnace." Raiden said.
Cloud inspected the weapon with utmost care. He could see it was well crafted, but with the design and the materials used. He soon held it to feel the weight.
"Thank you, Shogun-dono. I'll be sure to take care of it." Cloud spoke with gratitude.
Raiden smiled in response. The weapon soon began to flash purple for a moment till it faded.
"Hmmm… It appears the sword has indeed chosen a wielder it can trust. Good luck in your journey, Cloud-san." Raiden spoke.
Cloud and was about to depart from Inazuma. Before he stood outside Raiden's room, she held him close from behind. This surprised the swordsman, feeling her presences physically from behind.
"Shogun-dono?" He asked.
"Be sure to defeat the threat that is looming within you. Come back here to Inazuma in one piece, Cloud." Raiden spoke, briefly showing some sadness.
Cloud soon held his right hand on Raiden's hands, in an attempt to ease her worry. He knew the battle will be arduous. Steeling his spirit, he replied.
"I will come back." Cloud reassured.
(The Land of Her Serenity OST ends here)
[]
Cloud soon arrived at Ritou. The port town was starting to show signs of reactivity.
'This particular area is often used as a trading place for goods outside Inazuma. I wonder if the Sadoku Decree was abolished, would this port become more lively than it is?' He thought, looking at the town.
(Play Genshin Impact OST - Blue Dream)
Before Cloud could rearrange his thoughts, a male figure soon appeared. From what the swordsman can deduce, the male was in his 20s, appearing younger than his age due to his androgynous face. His outfit consists of a white collared coat with long flowing sleeves, dark blue lapels, and gold trimmings decorated with a number of embellishments worn over a light purple kimono and white pants. He also has black and golden armor on his right shoulder, white and purple gauntlets on both arms, black gloves, and a large golden rope around his neck. There was a Hydro Vision hanging on a thick golden rope around his waist on his right hip.
"My sincere apologies. I didn't intend to surprise you." The man spoke.
Cloud felt wary, but the tone from the male's voice was calm. If anything, it sounded graceful as though he was within a flowing stream of water that glided on his skin.
"Perhaps introductions are in order. I'm Kamisato Ayato, current head of the Kamisato Clan and of the Yashiro Commission. I'm the commissioner in question." The man named Ayato introduced.
"I'm Strife Cloud." Cloud introduced, following the custom.
"Oh, I'm quite aware about you, Strife-san. I've heard about you from my sister." Ayato spoke.
"You can call me Cloud if you wish. If I recall, Ayaka is your sister. You two share the same hair color and grace." Cloud deduced.
Ayato chuckled in response. Cloud let his guard down, knowing he could trust the person.
"I hope I have not intruded upon you while you were occupied with something. You appeared to be focused on a task." He said.
"Yes, I was occupied with trivial thoughts, but it's nothing major. However, I may have to put it simply on this… I'm temporarily leaving Inazuma." Cloud spoke.
"I've heard from my sister. You have some kind of illness that is afflicting your body. I hope you come back in one piece, Cloud-san." Ayato confirmed.
"I'm sure I'll make it. Once I get this condition dealt with, I will return to Inazuma. I've come to find this region as a new home to live in. Plus, there's some unfinished business that needs to be dealt with." Cloud followed.
"Oh? Coming to live in Inazuma despite the vastness of Teyvat? Perhaps you have chosen Inazuma out of nostalgia." Ayato deduced.
Cloud exhaled with a hidden smirk. Ayato noticed the smirk, knowing the swordsman was being questioned.
"Yes. It has some reminders from where I came from. In a sense, it may hold similar concepts, but overall, I find it welcoming." Cloud spoke.
"I'm glad to hear that. It appears that my sister is quite fond of you." Ayato said.
"It's noticeable…" Cloud said, trying to forget the kiss he got from Ayaka.
"I won't pry further about it. If anything, please take care of her when you come back, Cloud-san. I find it endearing when my sister is happy." Ayato spoke.
"I will return." Cloud reassured.
(Blue Dream OST ends here)
Ayato soon walked away, making his way back to Inazuma City. Cloud was now determined to tackle the issue in dealing with his illness. Before he could do so, he spotted a mysterious statue.
'This statue is…' He thought in realization.
The statue was glowing red at first. It soon turned into an ocean blue color with a gold plate. The statue appeared to be a giant column with a female figure standing on top. The female figure was robed to hide most of the physical features. Behind the figure, there was a ringed halo ribbon with five circles akin to a Japanese drum. It had the same design motif as Cloud's Vision or any of the Inazuma Visions he's seen so far. From within the statue's hands, a purple sphere was shown, pulsing calmly with the Electro element. The swordsman soon felt his fatigue disappear and the wounds healing at a fast rate.
"Whoa…" Cloud spoke in astonishment.
Kazuha soon appeared while Cloud wasn't paying attention. Both soon were alerted of each other's presence.
"That is a Statue of the Seven. These statues from all over Teyvat are said to heal those with Visions. It seems the statue has healed you up, Cloud-san." Kazuha spoke.
"Thanks for the info, Kazuha-san. I may end up seeing the different statues across Teyvat. However, I shouldn't be surprised if they end up looking different from the various regions." Cloud noted.
"Yes. The regions across Teyvat are governed by an Archon of the nation in question. Liyue is governed by the Geo Archon. I've seen the statues there so be ready to see the differences." Kazuha spoke.
"Thanks. I'll be sure to keep an eye out for them." Cloud reassured.
"Come back in one piece, Cloud-san. Gorou and I will await your return." Kazuha said.
"I will make it, Kazuha-san. I also know where to go." Cloud said, holding his resolve.
"I'll await your return as a friend. From what I've heard, the Shogun has been changing her ways with the decrees she has empowered. Inazuma is starting to see changes happening." Kazuha said, having a sense of hope.
"Hope it goes for the best." Cloud followed.
The two swordsmen soon parted ways. Cloud stumbled at the outer regions of Ritou, seeing the ports. There were nearby guards, inspecting the goods. Some caught sight of Cloud, immediately going to him.
"Hey! I haven't see you from these parts! You're not from Inazuma." Coast Guard #1 spoke.
"Rest assured. Shogun-dono has granted me passage to head out from Inazuma to see the rest of Teyvat." Cloud spoke with a calm tone.
"And how do I know if she has granted such permission?" Coast Guard #2 questioned.
Cloud procured the Travel Pass that was given to him by Raiden. Upon seeing the signature on the pass, the guard relented.
"My apologies." The guard said in surprise.
"At ease. From which commission are you guys? I've seen the Yashiro and Tenryou Commissions and have met the respective Commissioners like Kujou Sara and the Kamisato clan members." Cloud questioned.
"We are from the Kanjou Commission. We oversea the finances and border of Inazuma, including the trading of goods outside." The guard answered.
"Due to the Sakoku Decree…" Cloud realized.
"Yes. Though the Kanjou Commission oversaw the decree to be put in power, some of the members, including myself, refused to do so. Thus, we have been splintered." The guard said.
"Talk about a political backlash within the household. I hope you guys whom didn't support the decree find support among the others." Cloud spoke with concern.
"We have. We've sought the Tenryou and Yashiro Commissions to provide support to resist the Sadoku Decree. However, due to the current head of the Kanjou Commission, Hiiragi Shinsuke, those whom oppose the decrees are low in numbers. We have little to no influence among the Kanjou estate, despite being treated as a splintered group." The guard explained.
"That is concerning… I wish I could ask for more details, but I have things to settle. Perhaps when I come back, I'll be able to see the hidden strife among the Kanjou Commission." Cloud said.
"Thanks, and please come back in one piece. I haven't had a chance to introduce myself. I'm Takegawa Hiromi." The guard introduced.
"I'm Strife Cloud, but you can call me Cloud if you wish." Cloud followed.
"I find it quite curious that despite not being native to Inazuma, you know our customs well." Hiromi noted.
"I have seen such customs before. It's no stranger to me follow suit in respect." Cloud said.
"Well noted response and one that I like. If only I wasn't working with the Kanjou Commission, I would've welcomed you compared to how it is now." Hiromi spoke with disdain.
"No need to fret, Hiromi-san. We will help sort this issue once I come back. I hope it doesn't take too long." Cloud replied.
Hiromi prayed to the Raiden Shogun for the changes to happen in Inazuma. He silently hoped the restrictions will soon be lifted, allowing the region to thrive once more.
[]
Cloud soon came back to Tenshukaku. He was now ready to depart. Raiden was seen outside from her palace, overlooking the city. Upon seeing Cloud, her expression softened.
"Cloud-san, are you ready to begin your journey?" She asked.
"I am ready. I wish to begin my journey to Mondstadt." Cloud responded.
Raiden could see he was determined to get his affliction dealt with. Admiring his spirit, she closed her eyes and soon summoned an electric purple katana from her chest. The blade was a pale purple color, but above the rain guard, which glowed gold, it had the mitsudomoe symbol spinning like a wheel. The handle was purple with a bright brown leather grip. Cloud was surprised upon seeing her manifest a weapon.
"Whoa… What is that…?" He asked in wonder.
"This…is the Musou no Hitotachi. It is my elemental power manifested as a physical weapon." Raiden spoke.
"The sword seems more than just for show. I can tell it holds immense power." Cloud said.
"Indeed. It's capable of splitting islands or mountains. Through my will, it can cut open portals to my existence plain called Euthymia. This allows me to transport anyone with ease, based on my memory of the place I'm thinking of." Raiden explained.
"That is quite the sword. I'd feel bad for any whom is foolish to fight you to the death." Cloud remarked.
"I can tell you're praising the weapon. Pleasantries aside, I shall cut a path for you to arrive in Liyue. The rest of the travel will be reliant on you to reach your destination. I wish you luck, Cloud-san and may my blessing and wishes for a safe return guide you." Raiden said.
Before she began to use her weapon, she went to Cloud and kissed him at his right cheek. The swordsman soon felt flushed, but sensed a sensation of empowerment.
'The kiss made my body feel lighter… She must have imbued her blessing to me.' He thought.
Raiden soon sliced the air, creating a portal to a new region for Cloud. It was at a town with a large port with many residential towers. The townsfolk all had different outfits not native to Inazuma. They were all surprised to see a sudden portal open near them.
"Go, Cloud-san. The portal won't remain open for long." Raiden stated.
"I will return. Wait for me till then." Cloud spoke before leaping into the portal.
Raiden watched as the portal closed. She wished him a safe travel. Her face was blushing, now realizing the kiss she gave him.
'By the Heavenly Principles, much to my chagrin, I have fallen for him after all. My heart can't stop racing.' Raiden thought.